'Israel' fears US–Saudi nuclear deal, risks proliferation

• Former 'Israeli' diplomat Yaki Dayan warned that a US-Saudi nuclear deal could spark a regional nuclear arms race.
• He said the reported inclusion of domestic uranium enrichment could encourage other regional states to seek similar capabilities.
• Dayan argued that US President Trump faces an "escalation trap" with Iran.
• He said there is no clear resolution in sight for tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Yaki Dayan, former 'Israeli' consul in Los Angeles, cautioned that the civilian nuclear agreement being finalized between the United States and Saudi Arabia could spark a nuclear arms race across the Middle East.

Speaking during an interview with radio station 103FM, Dayan warned that granting Riyadh domestic enrichment capabilities would set a dangerous precedent, prompting regional powers such as Turkey and Egypt to seek equivalent access to nuclear technology.

Differences from 2009 UAE nuclear model

Dayan pointed out key distinctions between the proposed Saudi deal and the 103 Agreement signed between US and the United Arab Emirates in 2009.

While the UAE explicitly renounced domestic enrichment and reprocessing, reported terms for the Saudi framework include a two-year trial period, after which the US may permit uranium enrichment on Saudi soil.

"If the Saudis receive independent enrichment capability, the Turks will come and say, 'We want it too,' and the Egyptians will say the same," Dayan noted, emphasizing that US President Donald Trump appears primarily motivated by multi-billion-dollar economic returns for US contractors.

He added that even if the US Congress votes against the measure, overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers, a threshold unlikely to be met under current congressional dynamics.

Trump caught in an 'escalation trap' over Iran and Hormuz

Turning to the broader regional confrontation, Dayan argued that the Trump administration is facing a complex "escalation trap" regarding Iran and ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

With oil prices fluctuating and US midterm elections approaching, Dayan stated that political advisers are pressing the White House to bring the confrontation to a controlled resolution to prevent domestic economic backlash.

Dayan concluded that without a negotiated mechanism to guarantee the permanent reopening of the strategic waterway, Washington remains locked in an ongoing cycle of military pressure with limited alternative exits.